Daniil Kvyat named as Toro Rosso driver for 2014

The case for Kvyat

There are often surprises when Toro Rosso announces its driver line-up - think back to the ditching of Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari - and Monday night's selection of Daniil Kvyat appeared to fit that bill, but there shouldn't be that much surprise even if Kvyat's name is relatively unknown outside of the paddock.

Toro Rosso has announced that the inexperienced Daniil Kvyat will replace Daniel Ricciardo for the 2014 season. Ricciardo has signed for Red Bull as a replacement for the retiring Mark Webber.

Kvyat, a 19-year-old Russian, is another product of the Red Bull Junior Driver Programme and Toro Rosso has confirmed that he will partner Jean-Eric Vergne, with Vergne set to enter his third season with the team. This season Kvyat has been competing in GP3 - currently second in the standings ahead of the season finale - and the Formula 3 European Championship.

"We are pleased to continue our policy of bringing on drivers from the Red Bull Junior Programme," team principal Franz Tost said. ""Daniil is a very talented driver, which can be seen from his results in all the junior categories.

"He impressed our team with a strong performance and very informative technical feedback at the young driver test in Silverstone. This suggests that the basic qualities from which he can progress are all in place."

Kvyat said it was "a dream come true," adding "the fact I am based in Italy and speak Italian will, I am sure, help me to become part of the team very quickly".

Antonio Felix da Costa, who had been the favourite to get the drive, took to Twitter to give his reaction.

"It hurts but it's like this, I'm happy for Daniil and that it stays in the Red Bull Family, enjoy mate."